Joining element for fastening detachable tooth prostheses to tooth crowns or to tooth implants

ABSTRACT

A connection element for attachment of the movable dentures at tooth crowns or at tooth implants with a locking bolt (R) shiftable supported perpendicular to the pullout direction of the denture, wherein the locking bar (R) with its parts effective for the locking is guidable by the force of one or several springs (F) as seen from the pullout section of the denture under regions of one fixedly seated element (S) formed at one or several tooth crowns or, respectively, one or several tooth implants and wherein the locking element is again removable out of these regions by actuation of a pushbutton (D) acting onto the locking bar (R) with the parts of the locking bar effective for the locking and against this spring force, wherein a locking device (A) is furnished for the locking bar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a connection element for attaching of removabledentures at tooth crowns or tooth implants with the locking barsupported slidable perpendicular to the pullout direction of thedenture, wherein the locking bar with its effective parts for thelocking is guidable under regions of a fixedly positioned element formedat one or several tooth crowns or, to respectively, one or several toothimplants by the force of one or several springs as seen from the pulloutdirection of the denture and the locking bar is removable again fromthese regions by actuating of a pushbutton operating onto the lockingbar with its parts effective for the bolting against this spring force.

2. Brief Description of the Background of the Invention Including PriorArt

Either active or passive connection elements are employed for attachingremovable dentures at crowned teeth or tooth implants. In case of activeelements the denture is connected to the tooth crown or the toothimplant by frictional engagement or by locking. The frictional force orthe spring force has to be overcome in case of a removal of the denture.The active connection elements are associated with the disadvantage thatthe frictional force based on the wear for the spring force based on thespring fatigue can decrease in the course of time such that theattachment of the denture is not any longer assured. In addition,periodontal weak residual teeth or implants can be damaged in case thepull-out force of the denture is not precisely defined. Passiveconnection elements avoid the disadvantages. Here the support of thedenture is accomplished by a pure shape matching with the locking bardevice.

According to the state-of-the-art today in most cases still theconventional dental technological locking bars—hasp, sliding bolt andplug bar or, respectively, dead bolt are employed. The opening of thelocking bars is performed in most cases by having the patient grip intoa groove with a fingernail. The manual skill required for this howeveris not present with each patient. As special shape of a dead boltrepresents a conventional construction, wherein the opening of the boltis performed with a key, wherein the key is entered into a bore holeprovided for this purpose.

For alleviation of the handling there have been proposed also so-calledsemi automatic locking bars, wherein the locking bar is opened byactuating of a pushbutton against the force of a spring. Such a semiautomatic locking bar is described for example in the German printedpatent document DE 3720623 A1. These semi automatic locking bars howeverare associated with the disadvantage that the pushbutton has to remainpressed down, which again can cause manual difficulties.

There are also so-called fully automatic locking bars known, whichfurther alleviate the operation. In the known constructions of suchlocking bars, a locking element acting perpendicular to the direction ofmotion of the locking bar and formed as a leaf spring or as a springplate loaded with an additional helical spring engages into a recess atthe cylindrically shape locking bar axis from the closing directionafter operating of the spring loaded pushbutton and retains the lockingbar axis such that the pushbutton can be released for removal of thedenture. The locking element supports itself thereby at the limit at aof the fixedly seated part, such that upon engaging and lockingsimultaneously the denture is slightly lifted. The locking elementpushes again against this limit stops upon insertion of the denture andthe locking element is thereby returned in its position, whereby theaxis of the locking bar is released again.

On the one hand the high construction requirements based on theadditional spring are a disadvantage in the solutions. On the other handthe locking mechanism is subject to interferences. If the denture is notseated completely free of friction at the fixedly seated part and theforce of the second spring is insufficient to overcome this friction,then the locking mechanism fails.

A fully automatic bolting device has been proposed by the applicant inthe German patent DE 197 28 863 C2, wherein a locking device is providedmovably supported in the pushbutton or, respectively locking bar or inthe casing, wherein the locking device releases the locking bar not uponinsertion of the denture, as in case of the other fully automaticlocking bars, but already upon removal of the denture. The describedsusceptibility to interference of the other fully automatic locking barscould thereby be eliminated. The expensive production of the locking bardevice proved however to be a disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1. Purpose of the Invention

It is the object of the present invention to generate an easilyoperatable denture attachment formed as a fully automatic locking bar,wherein the denture attachment operates without problems even in case ofincreased friction between removable denture and fixedly disposed partand which requires a comparatively small production expenditure.

2. Brief Description of the Invention

This object is accomplished by the connection element with the featuresof claim 1. The subclaims contain advantageous further embodiments ofthe connection element according to the present invention. In principlethe known idea of a movably supported locking device from the Germanpatent DE 197 28 863 C2 is taken up again with the present invention,wherein the locking device is placed into motion upon actuating of apushbutton by the cooperation of limit stop and control faces. Howeverthe function of the locking device is here associated within easylifting of the denture in contrast to the construction forms describedin the German patent and similar as in case of the other fully automaticlocking bars having become known. This spring force or the motion of alocking bar is deflected by way of limit stop and guide faces uponactuating of the pushbutton against the force of one or several springssuch that the locking device moves. This motion in turn effects a slightlifting of the denture in pullout direction without limit stop at thefixedly seated part. Furthermore, the spring force can be deflected bylimit stop and guide faces such that the spring force supports thedenture in this slightly elevated position. This leads to constructions,wherein the release of the locking bar by the locking device does notoccur during the removal of the denture as in case of the solutions ofthe German patent DE 197 28 863 C2, but only upon the insertion of thedenture. The locking device retains the locking bar fixed against theforce of the spring by the coaction of further limit stop faces. Thesame limit stop faces, which limit stop faces effect the lifting of thedenture during the removal, effect the seating back of the lockingdevice, wherein the locking device now again releases the locking bar.The spring can now return the locking bar such that the lockingknowledge becomes effective.

Furthermore, modifications are possible, wherein in fact the lockingdevice effects the lifting of the denture upon pressing of thepushbutton, wherein however the locking device is not held fixed itself.The locking bar nevertheless is initially however locked: based on theslight lifting of the denture the locking bar cannot any longer be ledback into the corresponding undercut. The locking bar is the led backupon removal of the denture as in the constructions known from theGerman patent DE 19728863 C2, such that inclined faces have to beprovided as described there, which inclined faces lead the locking baragainst the force of the spring upon insertion of the denture.

A plurality of constructive solutions are conceivable for realizing theidea. Only several of the constructive possibilities are illustratedwith reference to the drawings in more detail in the following. Theindividual elements presented in connection with the various describedconstructive possibilities can also be combined with each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

There is shown:

FIG. 1 a vertical central section along the locking bar longitudinalaxis through a first connection element in locking position;

FIG. 2 a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 1 of the connectionelement in unbolted position;

FIG. 3 a sectional view along the section line III—III through theconnection element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 a sectional view along the section line IV—IV through theconnection element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 a sectional view along the section line. V—V through theconnection element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 a vertical central section along the locking bar longitudinalaxis through a modified form of the connection element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 a sectional view along the section line VII—VII through theconnection element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 a sectional view along the section line VIII—VIII through theconnection element of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 8 perpendicular to thelocking bar longitudinal axis of a further modification of theconnection element of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 a horizontal central section along the locking bar longitudinalaxis through a further modification an of the connection element of FIG.1;

FIG. 11 a horizontal central section along the locking bar longitudinalaxis through a second connection element;

FIG. 12 a sectional view along the section line XII—XII through theconnection element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 a sectional view along the section line XIII—XIII through theconnection element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 a sectional view along the section line XIV—XIV through theconnection element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 a vertical central section along the locking bar longitudinalaxis through a third connection element;

FIG. 16 a vertical central section along the locking bar longitudinalaxis through a fourth connection element;

a FIG. 17 a horizontal central section along the locking barlongitudinal axis through a fifth connection element;

FIG. 18 a sectional view along the section line XVIII—XVIII through theconnection element of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 a sectional view along the section line XIX—XIX through theconnection element of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 a sectional view along the section line XX—XX through theconnection element of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 a sectional view along the section line XXI—XXI through theconnection element of FIG. 17.

The sections are shown either vertical parallel relative to the lockingbar longitudinal axis, horizontally parallel to the locking barlongitudinal axis or perpendicular to the locking bar longitudinal axisin all the drawings, wherein the locking bar longitudinal axis in allcases is disposed approximately perpendicular to the row of teeth andapproximately parallel to the chewing surface. The pushbuttons D of theindividual connection elements are placed in general on the side of thetongue for optical reasons.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a connection element with a box shaped casing G in lockingposition. A web extension or a web is designated with S, wherein the webextension or the web is formed at the tooth crown or, respectively at atooth implant or also at several tooth crowns or tooth implants, that isfixedly attached in the oral cavity. An about cylindrically shapedlocking bar R is supported slidingly along the longitudinal axis of thelocking bar in the casing G. The guide of the locking bar outside of thecasing in the area of the prosthetic body can be improved by a sleeve H.The locking bar R carries A pushbutton D, wherein the pushbutton D canbe operated for debolting of the denture by the patient with the pulp.The plate shaped locking device A is such supported in the causing Gthat the plate shaped locking device essentially can perform only onemotion perpendicular to the locking bar. A schematicly illustratedspring F is disposed in the locking bar R, wherein the spring F issupported through a bolt B, wherein the bolt B can be fixedly connectedto the spring F, and through the locking device A in the casing G andthus the bolt B presses the locking bar R with the pusbutton D in thedirection of the pushbutton D.

The spring F and the bolt B are guided in a suitable bore hole 1 of thelocking bar R (FIGS. 1 through 3, FIG. 5). This bore hole iscomplemented in closing and basal direction by two slots 2 (FIGS. 1,2and 5) and 3 (FIGS. 1 and 2), which slots 2 receive the locking deviceA. An extension 4 of the locking device A (FIGS. 1,2 and 4) is disposedin a corresponding recess 5 of the casing G (FIGS. 1 and 2) and thussecures the locking device A and the locking bar R against rotation. Thelocking bar R is furthermore secured against a falling out in thedirection of the operation of the spring force by having the locking barR pushing with a stop face 6 (FIGS. 1 and 2) against the locking deviceA, wherein the locking device A in turn is guided in this direction overthe extension 4 in the recess 5 of the casing G.

The locking of the denture is effected by siding the locking bar Rthrough the spring force with the parts 7 (FIGS. 3 and 5) effective forthe bolting as seen from the an pullout direction of the denture underregions at the web extension 4, respectively, web S. The locking bar Rrests here in a congruent bar eye 8 (FIG. 5) of the web extension or,respectively, of the web S. However, the web S does not have to show anyrecess congruent relative to the locking bar. It is decisive that thelocking bar grips under regions of the fixedly seated part S. Thelocking bar is for example round according to FIG. 1, which however isnot necessarily required. Connection elements with a differentcross-sectional shapes are shown for example in the FIGS. 12 and 18. Theround cross-sectional shape however is associated with advantages inproduction technology. On the other hand the locking effect can beimproved by a corresponding cross-sectional shape. For example theeffective parts of the locking bar R for the locking are enlarged inconnection with the connection element of FIG. 18, and in case of theconnection element according to FIG. 12 these parts grips under regionsof the fixedly seated part S at least approximately at a right anglerelative to the pullout direction.

The patient pushes with the pulp onto the pushbutton D for removal ofthe denture. The locking bar R is thereby an shifted against the springF, wherein the parts 7 (FIGS. 3 and 5) of the locking bar R effectivefor the locking are moved out of the undercut regions at the webextension or, respectively, the web S. The regions of the passage of thelocking bar R only bar eye B (FIG. 5) is completely covered by the sideflattenings 9 of the locking bar R (FIG. 3). The denture could now beremoved as would be in case of a semi automatic locking bar. However thepatient is to release the pushbutton D prior to removal of the dent reas in case of a completely automatic locking bar. Therefore the lockingdevice has to become functioning. The spring F acts onto an inclinedface 10 at the locking device A (FIGS. 1 and 2) through the bolt B. Thelocking device A rests with a basal limit stop face 11 (FIGS. 1 and 2)at the base of the bar eye 8. Since the construction is now unlocked,the spring force can move the locking device A relative to the casing Gand to the locking bar R to some extent in basal direction and based onthe resting of the locking device A at the base of the bar eye 8, thatis at the fixedly seated part, the spring force can lift the completeconnection element and thus the denture to some extent in closingdirection. If the friction between the different components is largerthan the spring force, then the slight lifting of the connection elementis assured, by a further pressing of the pushbutton D. The locking bar Rpushes then with a limit stop 12 against a limit stop 13 at the bolt B(FIGS. 1 and 2), whereby the bolt B is moved together with the lockingbar R. The lifting of the connection element is effected through theinclined face 10 at the locking device A as as well as the basal limitstop face 11 at the locking device A (FIG. 12) and their resting at thebase of the bar eye 8. The limit stop face 6 of the locking bar R comesnow to lie behind the limit stop face 14 of the locking device A basedon the relative motion off the locking device A in basal direction asshown in FIG. 2. A leading back of the locking bar R with the pushbuttonD through the spring F is thus prevented, the locking bar is locked. Thelocking device. A is held in this position shifted in basal direction bythe force of this spring F, wherein the force on the spring F operatesonto the inclined face 10 of the locking devise through the bolt B. Thepushbutton D can now be released for removal of the denture.

The basal motion of the locking device A will not be a pure parallelshifting based on the unavoidable play between the device components andbased on the geometry of the locking device A. Obviously, the basalmotion will initially at the side disposed toward the bolt B flipsomewhat in basal direction prior to the shifting in basal direction. Incase of a sufficiently precise production of the parts this effect doesnot have such strong consequences that the functioning of the connectionelement is interfeed with. An improved parallel shifting of the lockingdevice A can be achieved by allowing a pin to protrude from the sidedisposed away from the pushbutton D of the casing G into the bore hole 1of the locking bar (FIGS. 1 through 3, FIG. 5) up to close at the boltB, wherein the correspondingly shorter formed locking device A is led atthe bolt B in basal direction. The locking device A thereby becomeshowever more inconvenient. In addition the construction expenditure forthe casing G is increased.

As illustrated, the locking device A can be moved in basal direction bythe effect of the force of this spring F or based on the motion of thelocking bar R. Similarly constructions are possible, wherein only one ofthese effects is employed. The transfer of the motion of the locking barin a basal motion of the locking device A can occur instead of bolt Balso by stop face directly attached on to the locking bar.

The holding of the locking device in a position shifted in basaldirection can also be effected by having the limit stop faces 6 and 14(FIGS. 1 and 2) formed not exactly perpendicular to the direction ofmotion of the locking bar R, but somewhat inclined thereto, wherein thefaces are disposed at their closing end closer to the pushbutton D thanat their basal end. Such a solution was elected in the connectionelement illustrated in FIG. 1 and is described in more detail below.

The locking device A is secured against following out in basal directionby being seated in its position shifted in a basal direction with alimit stop face 15 in the locking bar R as well as by pushing with alimit stop face 16 against the bolt B (FIG. 2). However, there are alsoother possibilities to secure the locking device A the against fallingout in a basal direction. For example also a basal limit stop can befurnished in front of the recess 5 of the casing G as seen from thepushbutton D instead of the limit stop face 16. This basal limit stopcan also be placed in the recess 5 by closing the recess 5 below theextension 4 of the locking device A.

During insertion of the denture the locking device A impinges with itsbasal limit 3top face 11 (FIGS. 1 and 2) onto its support at the base ofthe bar eye 8 and is thereby again somewhat moved relative to the casingG and to the locking bar R in closing direction. The limit stop 14 ofthe locking device A now releases again the limit stop 6 of the lockingbar R, such that the spring F can lead back again the locking bar R withthe pushbutton D. The denture is now locked.

A demounting of the movable parts for exchange and repair purposes iseasily possible. The locking device A is pressed in the region of thebasal face 11 in closing direction with a fine instrument, whereininitially the bolt B is moved against the spring F. The locking device Ais thereby somewhat rotated The locking device A is thereby somewhatrotated, since the locking device A pushes with its side disposed remotefrom the bolt B on the top in the casing G. As soon as the extension 4is moved out of the corresponding recess 5 of the casing G, then thelocking bar R together with the spring F, the bolt B and the lockingdevice A can be pulled out. Also analogous constructions with sleeveshaped screw, as illustrated in the connection elements of FIGS. 11 and15, or with a basally inserted screw as in the connection element ofFIG. 15 are possible, wherein then a demounting can be performed afterremoval of the screw.

A modification of the described connection element is shown in FIGS. 6through 8, which modification functionally corresponds to thisconnection element, however is distinguished by the shape of the casingG. The casing G is here formed sleeve shaped. This casing can be formedshort in the direction of the locking bar longitudinal axis such thatthen again an additional sleeve H can be incorporated in the denturebody for guiding the locking bar R. The casing G can also be constructedlong, as illustrated here, such that the additional sleeve H can bedispensed with. As shown here, the pushbutton D can be formed with alarger diameter as the balance of the locking bar R for a betterpossibility of operation. A further spring acting like the spring Fcould be inserted into the hollow space 17 (FIGS. 6,7) between thelocking bar R and the casing G for improving of the spring function.Constructions are also possible, wherein the spring is disposedcompletely outside of the locking bar. The locking bar R engages herewith its parts 7 (FIG. 8) effective for the locking on two sides inunder cuts at the web extension or web S.

FIG. 9 shows a modification of these sleeve shaped casing form, whereinthe locking bar R with its effective parts 7 engages only on one sideinto the web extension S. FIG. 10 shows an application at the webextension with again a one-sided engagement Of the effective locking barparts 7, wherein the web extension exhibits here half round shown guidegrooves 18 for improving the guiding function during insertion of thedenture. Either parts of the denture frame or—as shown here—guidingparts 19 of the casing G can engage into these guiding grooves. Thecasing G carries a dove tail like extension 20, wherein the dove taillike extension 20 improves in particular in case of adhesive technologythe connection between the connection element and the denture frame. Itis necessary with this construction to provide two different versions ofthe casing G for right side and for left side application. Thepossibility exists also perform the casing of two parts, wherein thesecond sleeve shaped casing part, which casing part looks similar as theshown in FIG. 9, is insertable on two sides into a box shaped firstcasing part, where the first casing part is seated on the web extension,for avoiding of the two recited versions for two side application. Aspecial form of the casing can be constructed for the interdentalapplication between two telescope crowns. The special form then has tobe formed extremely narrow.

A second connection element is shown in FIGS. 11 through 14. A casing Gis seated onto a web extension S, wherein the web extension S canexhibits angular illustrated guide grooves 21 (FIG. 11). A sleeve shapedscrew Sch1 can be inserted on two sides in this casing G, wherein thelocking bar R with the pushbutton D is guided in the sleeve shaped screwSch1, wherein the locking bar R is secured against falling out by anextension 22 (FIG. 14) and a disassembly can be easily performed afterremoving of the screw Sch1. The opening disposed opposite to the screwSch1 can be closed by a screw Sch. All construction parts are formedsuch that they can be applied on both sides. A locking device A issupported slidable in vertical direction in the casing G. The lockingbar R grips with its effective parts 23 for the locking, wherein theeffective parts 23 here form a face disposed vertical to the pulloutdirection, on one side (FIG. 12) the undercut regions at the webextension. The function of the spring F, of the bolt B, and of thelocking device A corresponds essentially to the corresponding elementsin the connection element illustrated further above. The locking deviceA with its limit stop face 24 rests however at the top at the webextension S (FIG. 12) in contrast to the further above illustratedconnection element. This support effect s a slight lifting of theconnection element upon actuation of the pushbutton D. The lockingdevice A effects then the locking of the locking bar R with the limitstop face 26 of the locking device A (FIG. 14), wherein the locking barR pushes with its limit stop face 25 (FIG. 14) against the limit stopface 26.

The locking device A with a basal extension 27 is such supported in abasal recess of the casing G that the locking device A is rotatablearound an axis 28 disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thelocking bar R and rotation of the locking bar R around its longitudinalaxis is not possible, in connection with the connection elementillustrated in FIG. 15, wherein the locking device A is disposed withinslots of the locking bar R. A sleeve shaped screw Sch1 secures thelocking device A and thus also the locking bar R against falling out,since the locking bar R pushes with a limit stop 29 against the lockingdevice A. The spring F, which spring F can also be solidly connected tothe locking device A, set at the locking device A effects a rotation ofthe locking device A around the rotation axis 28 away from thepushbutton D upon actuation of the pushbutton D. A limit stop face 30effects the same, wherein the limit stop face 30 also pushes against alimit stop 31 of the locking device A upon further pressing of thepushbutton d. A basal limit stop face 32 of the locking device A restsat the bottom at the web extension or web S and effects a slight liftingof the connection elements based on the rotation as with the connectionelement illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 5, wherein then the locking bar Rwith the limit stop 29 pushes against a limit stop face 33 of thelocking device A and is thus locked. The limit stop face 32 of thelocking device A pushes against the web extension or, respectively web Supon reentering of the denture and becomes thereby turned back andreleases again the locking bar.

The locking device A in contrast to the up to now described lockingelements is not disposed in the casing G, but instead slidinglysupported in a vertical direction in the locking bar R according to theconnection element shown in FIG. 16. A screw Sch2 protruding from abasal direction into a groove 34 of the locking bar R secures thelocking bar R against falling out and against rotation. The lockingdevice A is moved against the bolt B subjected to the spring F uponactuation of the pushbutton D. The spring force effects a slight basalmotion of the locking device A relative to the casing G through the boltB and an inclined face 35 at the locking device A. Since the lockingdevice A then rests with a basal limit stop face 36 at the web extensionor web S, a slight lifting of the connection element in pulloutdirection occurs. If the spring force is insufficient for releasing thismotion, then the same is released by a pushing of the bolt B with alimit stop face 37 at a belonging limit stop 38 of the casing G uponfurther pressing of the pushbutton D. The locking of the locking bar Ris effected by having the locking device A with a limit stop face 39pushed against a limit stop face 40 of the casing G. The connectingelement is easily held in the slightly lifted position by the springforce, which spring force operates onto the inclined face 35 of thelocking device A through the bolt B. The locking device A is pushedupwardly by the web extension or, respectively, web S through the basallimit stop face 36 of the locking device A during reinsertion of thedenture and the locking device A releases again the locking bar R.

A completely different construction of connection element is shown inFIGS. 17 through 21. A casing composed out of two parts G1 and G2 forproduction technological reasons is seated on a web extension or web S.A sleeve H is inserted into the casing and is secured (FIG. 19) by abasal screw Sch3, wherein the basal screw can be removed for disassemblypurposes. A locking bar R is supported slidable along the longitudinalaxis of the locking bar and limited rotatable around the longitudinalaxis of the locking bar in the sleeve H and in the casing part G2. Apushbutton D is placed on the locking bar R, wherein the connectionbetween the two parts can be performed by press fitting, bolting orscrewing together. As spring A disposed around the locking bar R actsagainst the pushbutton D. The locking bar R engages on two sides inundercut regions at the web extension or web S (FIGS. 17 and 18) withside extensions 41 and 42 of the locking bar R effective for thelocking. The extension 42 with an inclined to limit stop face 43 pushesagainst a limit stop face 44 of the casing part G2 (FIG. 20) in case ofpressure onto the pushbutton D, wherein the locking bar R is placed intorotation around its longitudinal axis. Since the same extension 42 restswith a basal limit stop face 45 (FIG. 20) on the web extension or web S,the connection element is lifted slightly in pullout direction. Uponreleasing the pushbutton D, the spring F places initially the lockingbar R somewhat backward. A further leading back of the locking bar ishowever prevented by having the extension 41 with the limit stop 46pushed against a limit stop 47 of the sleeve H (FIG. 21) based on therotation of the locking bar. The faces 46 and 47 are disposed notprecisely rectangular relative to the direction of motion of the lockingbar R. The faces 46 and 47 are disposed in closing direction closer tothe pushbutton B as compared in basal direction. This is associated withthe consequence that the spring force acting in the direction of thepushbutton D retains the locking bar R and thus the connection elementin this position. The extensions 41 and 42 thus cooperate as lockingdevice A. The pushbutton D can now be released for removal of thedenture. The locking bar R rotates backward upon reinsertion of thedenture based on the beating of the basal limit stop face 45 at the webextension or web S. The spring F can now lead back the locking bar Rinto the bolting position.

Slight changes by not illustrated constructive modifications arepossible relative to the described constructions, where the lockingdevice A in fact slightly lifts the connection element upon pressing ofthe pushbutton D, wherein the locking of the locking bar R by thelocking device A itself is however dispensed with. Indirectly, thelocking device A initially nevertheless locks the locking bar R here.The locking bar cannot be set back any longer into the associatedundercuts based on the slight lifting of the denture. Upon removal ofthe denture the locking bar is however lead back by the spring F suchthat inclined faces have to be provided, wherein the inclined facesguide the locking bar R upon insertion of the denture against the forceof the spring F.

The component parts can advantageously be produced as packaging partsand for example being made out of a dental alloy. The spring can beproduced out of a suitable spring material, for example astainless-steel or a suitable titanium alloy. The spring can compriseout of an elastic plastic body upon a corresponding modification of theconstruction. The locking bar head of the connection element illustratedin FIGS. 17 through 21 can be made out of plastic, similarly the sleevesof the connection elements of the FIGS. 1 through 5 and 10 and 16. Theycan be polymerized into the denture. The web extension or web can bemade out of a bakable plastic and is cast together with the remainingfixed seated constructions. Furthermore the web extension or web cancomprise an extension gate capable alloy. The casing is attached forexample by adhesive attachment, by welding or soldering in the dentureframe, wherein preferably the adhesive technology or the laser weldingshould be applied for biological reasons. A suitable recess for theconnection element has to be created in the denture frame. For thispurpose doubling auxiliary parts made out of plastic or metal orauxiliary parts made out of ceramics can be employed.

A special shape of the invention comprises that the casing G isdispensed with and the guide for the locking bar R and the remainingrecesses of the casing G are produced directly in the denture frame. Forexample the recesses for an the locking bar R and for the screw Sch2 canbe produced by drilling in the connection element illustrated in FIG.16, wherein the position of the bore holes relative to each other couldbe fixed with a drilling jig. In the following a threat would have to becut into the bore hole for the screw Sch2. The passage of the lockingbar R through the web extension or web S could be produced together withits guiding in the denture frame. Another possibility of the productionof the recesses is a spark erosion. Furthermore for example an auxiliarypart out of ceramics could be modeled into the denture frame for theguiding of the locking bar R as well as the recess 5 of the extensionfor in the connection element illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 10, whereinthe auxiliary part could be easily removed by emission out of thedenture frame after the casting. This auxiliary part can also beproduced out of a high melting metal, for example nickel, which can bedissolved with a suitable acid, for example, nitric acid after thecasting.

The locking bar can also be offered in a semi automatic version byslight changes. For example, the locking device A can be modified such,that the stop face 16 (FIG. 2) already rests on the bolt B in lockingposition and thus a shifting of the locking device in basal direction onis not possible.

If an inner thread is placed into the guide of the locking bar R, then ascrew can be employed instead of the locking bar, wherein the screw isformed cylindrically with the same diameter as the locking bar at theend of the screw disposed remote from the screw head. A fixed connectionbetween the fixedly seated part and the secondary part carrying thescrew can be produced by insertion of the screw. This makes sense forexample in the case where the secondary part is a fixedly seated onbridge piers, which bridge piers however exhibit long-term a doubtfulprognosis. After loss of these bridge piers the construction can bereconstructed easily into a removable denture by engaging of the screwconnection and by inserting a locking bar instead of the screw.

What is claimed is:
 1. A connection element for the attachment ofremovable tooth dentures to crowns oil teeth or tooth implantscomprising a fixedly seated element (S) connected to a tooth crown or atooth implant; a locking device (A) to be placed on the fixedly seatedelement (S) and having a first limit stop face and having a second limitstop face (14); a spring (F) a locking bar (R) supported slidable in afirst direction and having a third limit stop face (6) and a third limitstop plane (15), wherein the third limit stop face (6), wherein thethird limit stop face (6) is alternatively engageable with the firstlimit stop face and with the second limit stop face (14) and wherein thelocking bar (R) is supported by the force of the spring (F); apushbutton (D) acting upon the locking bar (R), wherein the third limitstop face (6) of the locking bar (R) is engaged with the second limitstop face (14) when the pushbutton (D) is depressed, wherein the thirdlimit stop face (6) remains engaged with the second limit stop face (14)upon release of the push button (D), and wherein the third limit stopface (6) becomes engaged with the first limit stop face upon placing ofthe locking device (A) onto the fixedly seated element (S), and whereinthe locking device (A) is movable upon actuation of the pushbutton (D)in the direction of the third limit stop face (6) engaging the secondlimit stop face (14) against a force of the spring (F) such that thespring (F), the locking bar (R) and the pushbutton (D) become slightlylifted in a removal direction of the denture disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the first direction.
 2. A connection element for theattachment of removable tooth dentures to crowns of teeth or toothimplants, comprising a locking bar (R) carrying a pushbutton (D),wherein the locking bar (R) is supported slidable in a first direction,and wherein the locking bar (R) comprises a bore hole (1) and parts (7)with a side flattenings (9), and wherein the parts (7) comprise a limitstop (6), a spring (F) disposed inside the locking bar (R), a bolt (B)having a side disposed at the spring (F) and an opposite side with aninclined face, wherein the spring (F) and the bolt (B) are guided in thebore hole (1) of the locking bar (R), a locking device (A) shaped like aplate and surrounding the bolt (B) and having an extension (4) and aninclined face engaging with the inclined face of the bolt (B), a casing(G) shaped like a box and having a recess (5) and a bar eye (8), whereinthe casing (G) contains the locking bar (R) with the pushbutton (D), thespring (F), the bolt (B) and the locking device (A), and wherein thecasing (G) is attachable at a fixedly seated element (S) connected to atooth crown or a tooth implant, and wherein the locking device (A) issupported in the casing (G) that the locking device (A) essentially canperform a motion in a second direction disposed perpendicular to thefirst direction, wherein the extension (4) of the locking device (A) isdisposed in the recess (5) of the casing (G) and thus secures thelocking device (A) and the locking bar (R) against rotation, wherein thelocking bar (R) is guided inside the casing (G), wherein the parts (7)of the locking bar (R) are disposed between the locking device (A) andthe fixedly seated element (S) and wherein the locking bar (R) togetherwith the parts (7) move in the first direction upon a pushing of thepushbutton (D) in order to cover the bar eye (8) completely by the sideflattenings (9) of the locking bar (R), and wherein the limit stop (6)of the locking bar (R) moves from the limit stop face (101) to the limitstop (14) releasing the locking device (A) before the spring (F) iscompressed, and wherein after the spring (F) is compressed, thepushbutton (D) transfers horizontal motion to the bolt (B), and whereinthe bolt (B) pushes the locking device (A) in the second directiontoward the fixedly seated element (S), and wherein the casing (G) withthe locking bar (R), with the spring (F), with the bolt (B) and with thelocking device (A) is removed away from the fixedly seated element (S),and wherein the limit stop face (6) of the locking bar (R) engages thelimit stop (14).
 3. The connection element according to claim 2 whereinthe pushbutton (D) transfers motion in the first direction to the bolt(B) upon compressing the spring (F); wherein the locking device (A)includes a basal limit stop face (11) and a second limit stop face (14);wherein the parts (7) of the locking bar (R) are disposed between thelocking device (A) and the fixedly seated element (S); wherein a thirdlimit stop face (6) of the locking bar (R) moves from a first limit stopface (101) to a second limit stop face (14) for releasing the lockingdevice (A); wherein the bolt (B) moving in the first direction pushesthe locking device (A) in the second direction toward the fixedly seatedelement (S).
 4. A connection element for the attachment of removabletooth dentures to a support, comprising a casing (G), a locking device(A) disposed in the casing (G) and slidable in a defined direction andhaving an extension, and having a first limit stop face (101), and asecond limit stop face (14) and to be seated on a fixedly seated element(S) between the extension and a wall of the casing (G) and having aninclined face (10); a spring (F); a bolt (B) supported by the spring (F)and having a counter-inclined face engaging the inclined face (10) underpressure of the spring (F) while the locking device (A) locks tight tothe fixedly seated element (S); a locking bar (R) movable in a firstdirection disposed at an angle to the second direction and supported bythe spring (F) and having a third limit stop face (6) engaging thesecond limit stop face (14) when the locking bar (R) is pressed againstthe spring force for releasing the locking device (A) and for thelocking bar (R) releasing the fixedly seated element (S).
 5. Theconnection element according to claim 4 wherein the locking bar (R)comprises a pushbutton (D), a bore hole (1) and parts (7) having a sideflattenings (9); and wherein the parts (7) are disposed between thelocking device (A) and a fixedly seated element (S); and wherein thethird limit stop face (6) contacts the first limit stop face (101)during locking, and wherein the locking bar (R) is supported slidable inthe first direction.
 6. The connection element according to claim 4wherein the casing (G) comprises a recess (5) and a bar eye (8), whereinthe locking bar (R) is guided inside the bar eye (8) of the casing (G);and wherein the casing (G) is attachable in the first direction at thefixedly seated element (S); and wherein the locking device (A) issupported in the locking bar (R) and wherein the locking device (A)essentially performs a motion only in the second direction; wherein theextension (4) of the locking device (A) is disposed in the recess (5) ofthe casing (G) and thereby secures the locking device (A) and thelocking bar (R) against rotation.
 7. The connection element according toclaim 4 wherein upon pushing of the pushbutton (D), the locking bar (R)together with the parts (7) and with the third limit stop (6) move inthe first direction from the first limit stop face (101) to the secondlimit stop face (14) and removing parts (7) disposed in a way ofremoving the locking bar (R) from the fixedly seated element (S) inorder to allow the locking bar (R) to slide out of the bar eye (8)completely through side flattenings (9) of the locking bar (R).
 8. Theconnection element according to claim 4 wherein the bolt (B) comprises afirst end disposed in the area of the pushbutton (D) and a second endcarrying a counter-inclined face, wherein the spring (F) and the bolt(B) are guided in a bore hole (1) of the locking bar (R); and whereinthe pushbutton (D) upon a compressing of the spring (F) transfers motionin the first direction to the bolt (B).
 9. The connection elementaccording to claim 4 wherein the locking device (A) is plate-shaped, andwherein the locking device (A) surrounds the bolt (B), and wherein thelocking device (A) comprises an inclined face engaging to thecounter-inclined face of the bolt (B), and wherein the bolt (B) pushesthe locking device (A) in the second direction; and wherein the casing(G) with the flocking bar (R), with the spring (F), with the bolt (B)and with the locking device (A) is pulled out in the second directionfrom the fixedly seated element (S) of the support.
 10. A connectionelement for the attachment of removable tooth dentures to crowns ofteeth or tooth implants comprising a fixedly seated element (S)connected to a tooth crown or a tooth implant; a spring (F) having afirst end and having a second end; a locking bar (R) supported slidablein a first direction, wherein the locking bar (R) locks the fixedlyseated element (S) in a locked position to the locking bar (R) andwherein the locking bar (R) unlocks the fixedly seated element in aremoval position from the locking bar (R); a pushbutton (D) supported bythe force of the first end of the spring (F) and acting upon the lockingbar (R), wherein pressing of the pushbutton (D) initially presses on thefirst end of the spring (F); a bolt (B) having a first end facing thepusbutton (D) and having a second end furnishing a counter-inclinedfaced, wherein the bolt (B) is supported by the force of the second endof the spring (F), and wherein, after compression of the spring (F), thesaid first end of the bolt (B) is being acted upon directly by thepusbutton (D) and wherein the bolt (B) is disposed slidably in thelocking bar (R); a locking device (A) having a locked position relativeto the seated element (S) and having a removal position relative to thefixedly seated element (S) for allowing separation of the locking device(A) from the fixedly seated element (S) and having an inclined face (10)for facing the counter-inclined face of the bolt (B) such that apressing of the pushbutton (D) induces a pressing of thecounter-inclined face of the bolt (B) onto the inclined face (10) of thelocking device (A) which in turn induces a shifting of the lockingdevice (A) away from the locking bar (R) in a second directionperpendicular to the first direction and places the locking device (A)and the locking bar (R) into the removal position; and wherein apressing of the locking bar (R) in the second direction toward thefixedly seated element (S) induces the inclined face (10) of the lockingdevice (A) to press against the counter-inclined face of the bolt (B)and in turn induces the locking device (A) and the locking bar (R) tomove into the locking position.
 11. A method for an attachment ofremovable tooth dentures to crowns of teeth or tooth implants comprisingconnecting a fixedly seated element (S) to a tooth crown or a toothimplant; furnishing a locking device (A) to be placed on the fixedlyseated element (S) and having a first limit stop face (101) and having asecond limit stop face (14) and having a first limit stop lane (111) andhaving a second limit stop plane (114); placing a spring (F) into alocking bar (R) supported slidable in a first direction and having athird limit stop face (6) and having a third limit stop plane (15),wherein the third limit stop face (6) is alternatively engageable withthe first limit stop face (101) and with the second limit stop face (14)and wherein the third limit stop plane (15) is alternatively engageablewith the first limit stop plane (111) and with the second limit stopplane (114); engaging the locking bar (R) with the flocking device (A);supporting a pushbutton (D) by the force of the spring (F); pushing thepushbutton upon the locking bar (R) for first moving the locking bar Rin a first direction from a neighboring position of the third limit stopface (6) of the locking bar (R) and the first limit stop face (101) ofthe locking device (A) and from a neighboring position of the thirdlimit stop plane (15) of the locking bar (R) and the first limit stopplane (111) of the locking device (A); moving the locking device (A) ina second direction disposed perpendicular to the first direction to aneighboring position of the third limit stop face (6) of the locking bar(R) and the second limit stop face (14) of the locking device (A) and toa neighboring position of the third limit stop plane (15) of the lockingbar (R) and the second limit stop plane (114) of the locking device (A);removing the locking bar (R), the locking device (A), the pushbutton(D), and the spring (F) from the fixedly seated element (S).
 12. Themethod according to claim 11 further comprising pressing the locking bar(R), the locking device (A), the pushbutton (D), and the spring (F)against the fixedly seated element (S); moving the locking device (A) inthe second direction from a neighboring position of the third limit stopface (6) of the locking bar (R) and the second limit stop face (14) ofthe locking device (A) and from a neighboring position of the thirdlimit stop plane (15) of the locking bar (R) and the second limit stopplane (114) of the locking device (A); moving the locking bar R in thefirst direction to a neighboring position of the third limit stop face(6) of the locking bar (R) and the first limit stop face (101) of thelocking device (A) and to a neighboring position of the third limit stopplane (15) of the locking bar (R) and the first limit stop plane (111)of the locking device (A).
 13. A method of using removable toothdentures comprising connecting a fixedly seated element (S) to a toothcrown or a tooth implant; furnishing a locking device (A) to be placedon the fixedly seated element (S) and having a first limit stop face(101) and having a second limit stop face (14) and having a first limitstop plane (111) and having a second limit stop plane (114); placing aspring (F) into a locking bar (R) supported slidable in a firstdirection and having a third limit stop face (6) and having a thirdlimit stop plane (15), wherein the locking bar (R), the locking device(A), and the spring (S) form a connecting piece; moving the locking bar(R) in a first direction from a neighboring position of the third limitstop face (6) of the locking bar (R) and the first limit stop face (101)of the locking device (A) and from a neighboring position of the thirdlimit stop plane (15) of the locking bar (R) and the first limit stopplane (111) of the locking device (A); moving the locking device (A) ina second direction disposed perpendicular to the first direction to aneighboring position of the third limit stop face (6) of the locking bar(R) and the second limit stop face (14) of the locking device (A) and toa neighboring position of the third limit stop plane (15) of the lockingbar (R) and the second limit stop plane (114) of the locking device (A);removing the connecting piece from the fixedly seating element (S);pressing the connecting piece against the fixedly seated element (S);moving the locking device (A) in the second direction from a neighboringposition of the third limit stop face (6) of the locking bar (R) and thesecond limit stop face (14) of the locking device (A) and from aneighboring position of the third limit stop plane (15) of the lockingbar (R) and the second limit stop plane (114) of the locking device (A);moving the locking bar R in the first direction to a neighboringposition of the third limit stop face (6) of the locking bar (R) and thefirst limit stop face (101) of the locking device (A) and to aneighboring position of the third limit stop plane (15) of the lockingbar (R) and the first limit stop plane (111) of the locking device (A).